The Public Garden

In the summer when I walk through the Public Garden, I like to imagine I've gone back in time 100 or so years, and that I'm wearing a long elegant garden dress, accompanied by the Duke of something or other. Now, however, in winter time, the Public Garden is still pretty, but very cold! I went for a walk with friends the other night; we thought as seasoned New Englanders, the cold would not be an issue. But very soon we were running toward the exit and to Parish Cafe for drinks and little bites. (This was my first time at Parish Cafe and I really liked it. They are famous for their unique sandwiches--Parish is on Boylston very close to the Public Garden).

Winter Scenes

Newbury Street, Boston Common, The State House

Last Saturday night

Snowy Night in Cambridge

This weekend we had our first big snow of winter. Very cold but very pretty. I went for drinks with teachers after work on Friday, despite the accumulating snow (by the way, Tavern makes a surprisingly strong martini)--and on SundayI watched movies (Mad Men looks really good!) and read books (I highly recommend 'Davita's Harp' by Chaim Potok), and made tomato soup and eggplant and melted mazorella sandwiches. Other good things to do in Boston in winter: go iceskating on the Frog Pond in the Boston Common, take afternoon tea at one of the pretty hotels like Four Seasons, or enjoy a free concert or lecture at Harvard. Trinity Church in Copley Square also has free organ concerts during the week.

North End at Night

The North End in Boston is the 'Italian' section of town. There are many delicious Italian restaurants, bakeries, cafes, meat and cheese shops, and some charming independently owned boutiques. At night the streets buzz with action and the smell of garlic and tomatoes perfume the air. The North End is close to Quincy Market and the waterfront. If you go, make sure you are hungry and leave room for dessert!

Teacher Charlene has party

Last weekend teacher Charlene had a party at her place to celebrate the Obama win and view the famous Martin Luther King speech from 1963. Great party, great food, great discussion (Leah moderated a debate on race, politics, and love...nicely done Leah). Happy Birthday Makiko! (by the way, Charlene made a fabulous feast of mac and cheese, chicken, rice, and beans)

Potluck Party

This past weekend teacher Alex (in the blue dress holding the spoon) had a potluck party for Boston Lifers. The food was wonderful: Alex made a delicious macaroni and cheese, So Yeon made Korean pancakes which I am now addicted to, Miho (with baby Layla) brought a chicken with soy sauce that was to die for, Shaina brought a fancy vegan apple pie, and the list goes on (by the way, I made a warm apple cake with icecream--a recipe I found in the New York Times). Alex was the perfect host and it was so nice to get a chance to relax and hang out. Also, Katie's father is big and imposing so nobody mess with him.

More Halloween Pictures

Joy to the World! A New President for the USA!

Barack Obama wins and makes history as the first black president of the United States. What an amazing past couple of days. Teachers Leah, Charlene and I went to the Copley Plaza rally to listen to Obama's acceptance speech, and then on to Buwkowski's for drinks. People were singing, dancing, and cheering in the streets. It was a real celebration of hope and possiblity for the future. I also thinkmany Americans feel excitement that the rest of the world seems to be rejoicing over the result of the election--how nice for the United States to feel welcomed back into the world community after 8 difficult years. (by the way, the batteries in my camera stopped working after only taking a few pictures on Tuesday night--so I will post pictures of election night once I get my hands on Charlene or Leah's pictures)

Halloween Party for Staff and Students

On Saturday Boston Life held it's first annual Halloween party. Most everyone dressed in costumes (I loved Kassandra's fortune teller costume, and Makiko was a fabulous spider woman!) Food and drink were served and it was a very spooky night. Halloween is a fun holiday celebrated by both the dead, undead, and living. Children go trick or treating for candy, and adults attend parties. This is the one opportunity all year where you can be something completely different from your normal self. Debbie was a Moroccan princess, Joe was a bloody scientist, Alex was an elegant flapper, Aya was a beautiful witch, Joyce was a farmer, Katie was little red riding hood, Charlene was a pirate, Natsuyo was a dark angel, Takeshi was the guy from Scream, Erica was Audrey Hepburn, and I was a vampire. The party gossip includes: Takeshi scared little Jyouji with his scream mask, Joe handed out vials of sake (which Katie says tastes like a punch in the stomach), and Charlene and Harrison had a passionate debate about marriage. Now coming up on November 27 is my second favorite holiday, Thanksgiving!